The U.S. has asked Japan to send a contingent of up to 20 civilians, including diplomats, to Iraq for a new reconstruction project there after Self-Defense Forces troops are pulled out, according to government sources.
Britain has meanwhile decided to start preparations for its troop withdrawal from the southern Iraq area of Samawah in mid-April, one month later than initially expected, which may affect Japan's plan to withdraw its Ground Self-Defense Force contingent from the area from mid-March through May, the sources said.
The moves came after a meeting Friday in London of diplomats and defense officials from Japan, the U.S., Britain and Australia.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.